Fine, Totally Fine

Directed by: Yosuke Fujita

Starring: YosiYosi Arakawa, Yoshino Kimura, Yoshinori Okada

Synopsis:

Teuro (Arakawa), a 20-something slacker who helps out at his dad’s second hand bookshop when he isn’t at work as a park-keeper, loves to play elaborate and scary practical jokes on anyone in his vicinity. His best friend, Hisanobu (Okada) feels its time the two of them grow up just a bit and try to achieve the goals that they once held onto – such as building the scariest haunted house ever, where people will actually die of fright. Into their lives comes Akari, a young artist and complete maladroit. Tensions rise when both men make her the object of their affections, but what does Akari want for herself?



Review:

Like Funuke , this movie plays on themes we action/horror fans are familiar with, although in a more explicit manner thanks to the horror pranks Teuro keeps playing. Take for example the sublime “dawn of the dead” joke he plays on an unsuspecting hospital worker. Yoshino Kimura puts in a great performance as Akari – a visionary artist who manages to be completely clumsy when around other people. The scene where she has to construct a flat-packed box is hilarious. Yoshiyoshi also hits the right comedy notes such as when he takes revenge on a stuck-up woman complaining about the hygene of the second-hand books in the store.

What is interesting is that the narrative works contrary to an American movie in that it skips the melodrama. Even Teuro and Hisanobu’s love rivalry is kept off-screen except for one classic moment when art imitates life (they are acting in their friend’s student film). These people are all emotionally immature due to either refusing to grow up (Teuro), being nervous around others (Akari) or wanting everyone to like them (Hisanobu). Their interactions with each other help them all grow as people.

For me, the film is ultimately about friendship – how lifelong friendships endure and how new ones are conceived. The ending is particularly poignant, with the main characters more or less back in their grooves but more satisfied with their existence.

Verdict:

First class comedy and touching character-based drama make this an essential watch. No gun battles or explosions, and little horror (except for Teuro’s hilarious pranks), like Funuke, this is still highly recommended by Flash-bang.

7 out of 10 (MikeOutWest)

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